How Much Is the Average Rent in Canada?

Average rent in Canada is influenced by economic and demographic factors, leading to significant variations by location and dwelling type. Understanding these costs is important for individuals planning to relocate, manage their finances, or gain insight into the housing market.

National Average Rent

The national average asking rent for all residential property types in Canada reached approximately $2,121 in July 2025, as reported by Rentals.ca and Urbanation. This figure saw a slight decrease from June, marking the tenth consecutive month of declining rents, although overall asking rents remain higher than levels from two and three years prior. A Zumper report indicates that as of August 2025, the median rent for one-bedroom units nationwide was $1,821, while two-bedroom units averaged $2,242.

Average Rent by Location

Rental prices in Canada vary considerably across provinces and major urban centers. British Columbia and Ontario generally feature the highest average rents, particularly in their major cities. Conversely, provinces like Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick offer some of the lowest average rents.

In British Columbia, Vancouver consistently ranks as one of Canada’s most expensive rental markets. As of 2024, the average unfurnished one-bedroom unit in Vancouver rented for approximately $2,361. Two-bedroom units averaged around $3,488.

Ontario’s rental landscape is dominated by Toronto, another expensive city for renters. As of 2024, the average monthly rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment in Toronto was approximately $2,228. Two-bedroom units averaged $2,942. Other Ontario cities like Ottawa also have high rental costs; in 2024, a one-bedroom apartment averaged $1,993, and a two-bedroom averaged $2,578.

In Quebec, Montreal presents relatively lower average rents compared to Vancouver and Toronto. As of 2024, the average rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit in Montreal was $1,633. For two-bedroom units, the average was around $2,165 as of 2025.

Alberta’s major cities, Calgary and Edmonton, generally offer more affordable rental options. In 2024, Calgary’s average monthly rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom unit was $1,720, with two-bedroom apartments averaging $1,931. Edmonton’s unfurnished one-bedroom units averaged $1,405.

Factors Affecting Rent

Several interconnected factors influence rental prices across Canada. Supply and demand play a significant role; when demand for rental units outstrips the available supply, prices tend to increase. Many Canadian cities have experienced persistent housing shortages, contributing to a competitive rental environment.

Population growth, particularly from international immigration and inter-provincial migration, consistently drives up rental demand. Cities with strong economic conditions and job markets attract more residents, intensifying competition for housing. When employment rates are high, more people have stable incomes, increasing their ability and willingness to pay higher rents.

Interest rates and the cost of homeownership also indirectly affect the rental market. Higher interest rates make it more expensive to purchase a home, pushing more potential homeowners into the rental market and increasing demand for rental units. This shift can exacerbate existing supply issues, leading to upward pressure on rents.

Vacancy rates, which measure the percentage of available rental units, are a key indicator. Low vacancy rates typically correlate with higher rents, as landlords face less competition and can command higher prices. Many Canadian cities have experienced historically low vacancy rates in recent years, contributing to elevated rental costs.

Government policies at the municipal and provincial levels also shape the rental landscape. While rent control measures aim to protect tenants, they can sometimes discourage the development of new rental housing, potentially limiting future supply.

Data Collection and Reporting

Average rent data in Canada is compiled and reported by various reputable organizations, each employing specific methodologies to gather their insights. Key sources include the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Rentals.ca, Zumper, and Urbanation. These entities provide regular reports that offer snapshots of the rental market.

CMHC, a federal agency, conducts an annual Rental Market Survey (RMS) during the first two weeks of October. This survey focuses primarily on purpose-built rental structures with at least three units in urban areas with populations over 10,000. CMHC also conducts a Condominium Apartment Survey for selected centers, covering units offered for rent in the secondary market. Their data includes vacancy rates, average rents, and turnover rates.

Platforms like Rentals.ca and Zumper collect data from hundreds of thousands of active rental listings across the country. They aggregate this information monthly to calculate median or average asking rents for various property types and bedroom counts in major metropolitan areas. This approach captures the “asking rent,” which reflects current market trends for vacant units entering the market.

It is worth noting that different methodologies, such as surveying occupied units versus analyzing asking prices for vacant units, can lead to variations in reported average rent figures. Some reports may present mean averages, while others use median figures, further contributing to slight discrepancies between sources. These reported averages represent a point-in-time assessment, and the rental market remains dynamic, subject to ongoing changes in economic conditions and housing supply.